in the footsteps of alexander the great

Transcription

1 Central Asia trip highlights Discover the desert city of Bukhara Take in the fabled Silk Road city of Samarkand Hike around the picturesque lake of the Fann mountains, Lake Iskander Kul Marvel at splendid markets, minarets and medressa Experience the historic centre of Shakhrisabz Journey to the ancient city of Khujand Trip Duration 15 days Trip Code: IFA Grade Introductory Activities Adventure Touring Summary 15 day trip, 12 nights hotel, 2 nights homestay welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience. why travel with World Expeditions? When planning travel to a remote destination, many factors need to be considered. Our extra attention to detail and seamless operations on the ground ensure that you will have a memorable experience. Every trip is accompanied by an experienced local leader, as well as support staff that share a passion for the region, and a desire to share it with you. We take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics. In most cases, all internal transport, entrance fees, national park fees and transfers are included in the cost of your trip. Most importantly, our adventures always aim to benefit the local people we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience World Expeditions Travel Group - Eric Beasant 1/14/2020 5:46:46 PM

2 A spectacular journey of discovery Alexander the Great Kazakhstan Tashkent Bukhara Uzbekistan Khujand Samarkand Tajikistan Dushanbe Turkmenistan World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. Please refer to our website for the additional cost. For Competitive aiurfares to Tashkent and stopover ideas,contact our expert staff today to recieve a detailed quote. the trip Follow Alexander the Great and discover the fabled Silk Road oasis towns of Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. After exploring the famous museums of Tashkent we travel to Samarkand with one of the most impressive sights in the region, Registan Square. Discover some of the oldest towns in the world with ancient mosques and palaces, citadels, minarets, colourful bazaars, highly adorned mausoleums, and age old traditions. This unforgettable adventure travels through the ancient cultural landscapes and spectacular landscapes of Tajikistan, one of Central Asia s most picturesque countries. Visit the stunning alpine lake of Iskander Kul on the northern slopes of the Gissar Range in the Fann Mountains, where according to tradition the lake takes its name from Alexander the Great. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience exploring the hidden heart of Central Asia its natural wonders are perfectly combined with cultural highlights to discover in depth the beauty of this historical region along the ancient Silk Route. at a glance DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9 DAY 10 DAY 11 DAY 12 DAY 13 DAY 14 DAY 15 ARRIVE TASHKENT TO SAMARKAND IN SAMARKAND TO BUKHARA IN BUKHARA TO SHAHRISABZ VIA NAUTAKA (KARSHI) TO TERMEZ VIA THE BAYSUN REGION IN TERMEZ TO DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN IN DUSHANBE TO LAKE ISKANDERKUL TO KHUJAND (ALEXANDRIA ESHATA) VIA ISTRAVSHAN KHUJAND TO TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN IN TASHKENT TASHKENT, TRIP CONCLUDES what s included 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners airport transfers on day 1 and day 15 comfortable hotels on twin share basis local sightseeing guide entrance fees to museums and monuments private transport throughout medical kit 2 nights homestay on a multishare basis Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments. what s not included International airfares and departure taxes Travel Insurance (compulsory) Visas World Expeditions Travel Group - Eric Beasant 1/14/2020 5:46:46 PM

3 A spectacular journey of discovery Alexander the Great Jun - 12 Jul 26 Jul - 09 Aug 30 Aug - 13 Sep 27 Sep - 11 Oct Apr - 10 May 30 May- 13 Jun 27 Jun - 11 Jul 25 Jul - 08 Aug 29 Aug - 12 Sep 26 Sep - 10 Oct trip dates fast facts Countries Visited: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan Visas: Yes* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Private Groups: Private group options are available for this trip* Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert local leader Advice for people with limited mobility This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. *Ask our staff for more information. Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary Tips and gratuities Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, alcohol etc Optional activities and sightseeing during free time Still/video camera fees at monuments detailed itinerary DAY 1 Arrive Tashkent On arrival into Tashkent you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. This evening you will meet the rest of the group for dinner. Overnight: City Palace Hotel or similar meals: D DAY 2 To Samarkand This morning we board the high speed train from Tashkent to the ancient city of Samarkand. We won t be able to check in to our rooms until 14:00 but we will leave our main luggage at the hotel. The rest of the day is dedicated to sightseeing of Samarkand s major attractions such as Registan Square considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. Being the heart of Samarkand and city s main square it is enclosed by three spectacular madrassah dating back to 1400s with quite inner courtyards. These huge buildings adorned with domes and minarets are intricately laid in charming azure blue glazed tiles. We will also visit the grandiose Cathedral Mosque Bibi-Khanum, nearby Siab Bazaar with its colorful stalls and Gur- Emir Mausoleum the resting place of Timurid royal family. Train: ~2hrs Overnight: Hotel City Samarkand or similar DAY 3 In Samarkand After breakfast we head out for more Samarkand sightseeing, covering the remains of meridian quadrant of Ulugh Beg observatory which allowed Samarkand s astronomers to produce the most accurate calibration of the stars position. Their outstanding body of work comprised Zidj -e - Kuragoni, astronomic tables featuring the most exact coordinates of 1018 stars; Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, the resting place of princesses and princes of the Timurid dynasty and aristocracy of the that period boasting unique architectural masterpieces of intricate tile patterns which turn this sanctuary into a real heaven of green turquoise and blue azure colors. Both sights are located on the ancient hill from which the city of Marakanda, once conquered by Alexander the Great, majestically dominated the area. We will also get acquainted with the Hellenistic period in the history of Samarkand exploring the exhibits of local Afrosiab Museum. Overnight: Hotel City Samarkand or similar DAY 4 To Bukhara This morning we check out and head to the train station to board the high speed train once again, this time to Bukhara. Bukhara is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan, situated on the sacred hill, it is supposed to have been founded in the 13th Century BC during the reign of Siyavushids who came to power 980 years World Expeditions Travel Group - Eric Beasant 1/14/2020 5:46:46 PM

4 A spectacular journey of discovery Alexander the Great thoughtful travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible & sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website trip grading Introductory On our journey we want to keep the accent on the active. We therefore suggest that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip will be to good effect. The fitter you are the more this will enhance your experience. Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended. adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant of travel agent. before the arrival of Alexander the Great. The name Bukhara originates from the Sanskrit word vihara which stands for Buddhist monastery. The city with its 140 architectural monuments was once a large commercial centre on the Great Silk Road. The old city of Bukhara consists of a maze of narrow streets, busy bazars and colorfully tailed historic landmarks mainly dating back to the Middle Age. Train: ~1½hrs Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar DAY 5 In Bukhara Today we continue our exploration of the ancient walled city of Bukhara. During our two days in Bukhara we ll visit the mausoleum of the founder of the Samanid dynasty the plans of which are based on the geometric pattern of a Buddhist mandala, Bukhara s citadel belted by massive defensive walls and overlooking the Old City. We will also visit ancient mosques, madrassah and ancient domed bazaars as well as the Summer Residence of the last rulers of Bukhara located in the city s suburb. Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar DAY 6 To Shahrisabz via Nautaka (Karshi) Today we drive to Shakhrisabz. Along the way we will visit the sights of Nautaka (present day Karshi) located on the banks of the Limpid River (Kashkadarya). In Nautaka, Alexander the Great and his army passed two winters and planned his Indian campaign. Here we will visit Odina Madrassah, the oldest female educational establishment of the region once erected on the sight of Khan s residence. It is now converted in little local museum. The biggest and the most beautiful mosque of the city, Kok-Gumbaz, built in XVI c. in the basement of the older Namosgokh Mosque and adorned with majolica glazed tiles. upon arrival in Shakhrisabz, we will venture out to explore the burial places of Timurid royalty in their hometown - Shakhrisabz and will explore the ruins of Tamerlan s summer residence, the Ak-Sarai Palace ( ). Drive: ~4hrs, 265km Overnight: Shahrisabz Star Hotel or similar DAY 7 To Termez via the Baysun Region Today we drive to Termez. Along the way we will have half day sightseeing in Baysun. Baysun is a picturesque region situated in the grand Ketmen-Chapti massif. Its deeply rooted folk traditions were included on UNESCO s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today we will also meet Baysun local families, which will introduce us to the lifestyle, traditions and culture of local people. Along the way to Baysun we will visit 1000 years old chinara (plane tree) in Sayrob mountain settlement, 10th century Towering minaret of Jarkurgan and the sight known as the bridge of Alexander the Great. Drive: ~4½hrs, 288km Overnight: Meridian Termez or similar World Expeditions Travel Group - Eric Beasant 1/14/2020 5:46:46 PM

5 A spectacular journey of discovery Alexander the Great important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. DAY 8 In Termez Today we will have full day sightseeing in and around Termez. We will first visit ruins of Buddhist monastic complex with stupa Fayaz tepe ; resting place of Samanid aristocracy; Kyrk-Kyz country estate of Samadid dynasty; archeological site of Kampyr-Tepe with its maze of excavated walls as well as Termez archeological museum. Overnight: Meridian Termez or similar DAY 9 To Dushanbe, Tajikistan Today we will drive to Tajikistan. On the way stop at the well-preserved, C12 corrugated Jarkurgan minaret. The road passes through numerous rural villages along the Baisuntau ridge with peaks soaring up to 4000m. We cross at the Sariosiyo border point and once in the Tajik territory we visit the Hissar fortress and the medieval madrassah en route into Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. Drive: ~4¼hrs, 250km Overnight: Lotus Hotel or similar DAY 10 In Dushanbe With a rural hinterland of grassy pastures and snow-capped mountains visible from downtown, Dushanbe is a delightful city built around parks, lakes and fountains. Dushanbe s origins stretch back some 3,000 years though the city grew from a village into a city under Soviet rule as the capital for the Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, a part of the Uzbek USSR. Today we will spend the day in the Tajik capital and enjoy a city tour taking in Dousti Square, the Samany Monument (to the founder of the Tajik Government), Rudaki Avenue and a historical museum. This evening we ll enjoy a dinner with traditional folklore show. Overnight: Lotus Hotel or similar DAY 11 To Lake Iskanderkul Today we leave the city behind and transfer to the legendary Lake Iskanderkul (Alexander s lake) via the picturesque Varzob gorge and Anzob tunnel. Iskanderkul is a mountain lake of glacial origin in Tajikistan s Sughd Province. It lies at an altitude of 2,195m on the northern slopes of the Gissar Range in the Fann Mountains. Today we will hike around the lake and to the Fann Niagara, a 40m high waterfall. Picnic by the lake. After lunch we will drive to Saritag village where we will be acquainted with traditions and the daily life of local people. Drive: ~3hrs, 135km Overnight: Local village homestay DAY 12 To Khujand (Alexandria Eshata) via Istravshan Today we set off for Khujand our route will lay through the mountain pass Shakhristan. Along the way we will visit the ancient city of Kiropolis, present day World Expeditions Travel Group - Eric Beasant 1/14/2020 5:46:46 PM

6 A spectacular journey of discovery Alexander the Great Istravshan, founded by Persian King Cyrus in 7th century B.C. We will explore the old city with its bazaar Kok Gumbaz Mosque (XVI) and Mug hill. After lunch we continue the drive to Khujand (Alexandria Eshata). Drive: ~4hrs, 221km Overnight: Khujand Deluxe Hotel or similar DAY 13 Khujand to Tashkent, Uzbekistan Today we will get around Khujand and visit its main sights such as Sheikh Maslikhiddin Mausoleum and Mosque (XIV-XIX c.c.), Payshambe bazaar and Country estate of Urumkhodjaev family which bears resemblance to the palace of Russian tsars in Petergof. After lunch we commence our drive to the Oybek border point and after completing border formalities enter into Uzbekistan. Drive: ~3hrs, 167km Overnight: City Palace Hotel or similar DAY 14 In Tashkent Today we will get around Tashkent and get acquainted with its main sights: Khast- Imam( Jhazret Imam) complex including Tillya Sheykh Mosque, Barak Khan madrassah, Muyimuborak madrassah converted in library-museum and housing the world s oldest copy of the Koran once belonging to Caliph Osman (VII). Overnight: City Palace Hotel or similar DAY 15 Tashkent, trip concludes Today after breakfast, you will be provided with transfer to the airport where your trip concludes. Hotel check-out will be at 12:00. Luggage storage will be available at the hotel should your flight depart later in the day. meals: B This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications World Expeditions Travel Group - Eric Beasant 1/14/2020 5:46:46 PM

7 A spectacular journey of discovery Alexander the Great accommodation on the trip The hotels used in Central Asia are usually 3 star properties on a twin share basis. Generally Russian in style. All rooms have private facilities, however please bear in mind that plumbing can at times be dubious in Central Asia, even in the best hotels. If you have a problem, advise your group leader, or floor attendant. on this trip there will be two nights homestay which are on a multi share basis. During our time in Tajikistan we will spend 2 nights in homestays, with local Tajik families. This experience is appreciated by our clients, many of whom consider it a highlight as it provides an authentic cultural experience, interaction with a local family, and home cooked meals. The home stay accommodation is basic with simple facilities and is typical of the homes in the area. Accommodation is multi share (3/4 per room) with mattresses and bedding provided by our hosts and shared toilet facilities. Showers are available but hot water may be limited depending on demand. These are not hotels and you should be prepared for a down to earth experience where you will be welcomed by the local community to learn of their way of life. what you carry In your daypack you will need to carry a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip eze etc. equipment required There is no specialised equipment required for this trip however a suggested gear list is supplied in the pre departure information provided on booking. vehicles & safety During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and whilst wherever possible, vehicles with seatbelts are provided, on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted. visas Uzbekistan Passport holders from the following countries and all European Union citizens are eligible for visa free entry for a stay of up to 30 days. This service can be used for multiple entries: Australia New Zealand Canada United Kingdom US citizens can gain a visa via two ways. The easiest and quickest is an e visa through the official website The price is US$20 and takes 2 5 business days to issue the visa. The e visa works at all entry points: land borders and airports. No sticker is placed in your passport, only an entry/exit stamp. If you cannot apply to the e visa website, you will need to apply through your in country embassy. The cost change regularly and can vary from US$55 to US$ World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 3/20/2020 7:01:35 AM

8 A spectacular journey of discovery Alexander the Great Upon arrival you should carry spare passport photos (approx 2 photos). It is very important that upon arrival in Uzbekistan you fill in a customs declaration form in duplicate and retain one form in your passport for your departure from Tashkent. All other nationalities please check with your reservations consultant. Please bear in mind that visas may be required for countries you are visiting en route or transiting through on the way to your destination. It is important that you check the requirements of all countries you will visit. Tajikistan E Visas are required for Tajikistan for passport holders from the following countries: Australia New Zealand Canada United States United Kingdom The visa is applied for online at You will be required to pay US$50 by visa card on this website. You are required to print and carry with you this document, which you should show on arrival in Tajikistan. This document will be the visa. Visa regulations change and you should be prepared for this. If you are stopping over or transiting other countries en route to your destination, you should also check the visa requirements for that destination. It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary visas. All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate. Please bear in mind that visas may be required for countries you are visiting en route or transiting through on the way to your destination. It is important that you check the requirements of all countries you will visit. Visa costs and requirements do change regularly so we suggest you check with your travel agent or World Expeditions reservations consultant. It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary visas. info nights World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! private groups The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today. subscribe to our e-newsletter Subscribe to our enewsletter! To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly enewsletter! You can do this online through our website, or contact our office World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 3/20/2020 7:01:35 AM

9 A spectacular journey of discovery Alexander the Great social networking Connect with us on social Like our page at facebook.com/worldexpeditions Follow us at instagram.com/worldexpeditions YOUTUBE: World Expeditions Subscribe to our channel at youtube.com/worldexpeditions Share the love Use the hashtag #WorldExpeditions on your best travel photos and videos to be featured. trip availability If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability as we operate strictly small group adventures. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as permits, hotels and flights to name but a few. The demand for these services is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience. how to book To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form which is found at the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest World Expeditions office along with your non refundable deposit. World Expeditions has access to competitive airfares to Morocco. Call your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance and additional accommodation World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 3/20/2020 7:01:35 AM